Federal support for Indigenous business to flow through SMEDCO for Métis entrepreneurs

| April 23, 2020

The federal government is committing $306.8 million dollars in stimulus funding to support the 6000 small-medium Indigenous businesses across the country flowing through 59 different Aboriginal financial institutions in Canada.

“We will always be there for Canadian businesses, and we are working hard to make sure that Indigenous business owners have the support they need during this period of uncertainty. Entrepreneurs are at the heart of communities right across the country, and we’re going to help them bridge to better times,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in making the announcement.

The Federal funding will allow for emergency short-term, interest-free loans, and non-repayable contributions. Métis businesses will be able to access up to $40,000 in emergency funds through the SaskMetis Economic Development Corporation (SMEDCO) in the coming days. The MN-S and SMEDCO are now working quickly to get the funding out to the business community.

“Businesses are the economic drivers in our communities, employing Metis citizens, offering financial stability to residents, and a better quality of life for families,” said MN-S President Glen McCallum. “Many of our remote communities are facing the tough realities of COVID-19 physical distancing measures and this funding can help offer some relief to make it through.”

Métis entrepreneurs and businesses will have access to information by calling SMEDCO at 306-477-4350 or visiting: http://www.smedco.ca/